The four stages of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) are fatty liver, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis.
The first stage of NAFLD, fatty liver, is the most common form of liver disease and occurs when there is fat accumulation in the liver. Fat buildup is often caused by an unhealthy or sedentary lifestyle, high-fat diets, diabetes, obesity, and other metabolic disorders. Fatty liver does not typically cause any symptoms, but can be diagnosed through blood tests or an ultrasound.
The second stage of NAFLD, NASH, is an advanced form of fatty liver disease. NASH is caused by inflammation in the liver, which can lead to permanent scarring (fibrosis) and cirrhosis. Symptoms of NASH may include abdominal pain, fatigue, weight loss, and jaundice.
The third stage of NAFLD is fibrosis, which is the development of scar tissue in the liver. Fibrosis is caused by long-term inflammation and can lead to cirrhosis. Symptoms of fibrosis may include abdominal pain, fatigue, and jaundice.
The fourth and final stage of NAFLD is cirrhosis, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. Cirrhosis is caused by scarring of the liver, which can lead to liver failure. Symptoms of cirrhosis may include abdominal pain, weight loss, fatigue, jaundice, and fluid retention.
Treating the stages of NAFLD is essential for reducing the risk of further damage to the liver. Treatment may include lifestyle changes such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, as well as medications to reduce inflammation and reduce fat in the liver. In some cases, a liver transplant may be necessary.